A conversation at the market, the story behind a traditional product, a passion for cars, or an afternoon in the hills. A trip to Emilia can combine these interests without cramming them all into a single day.
Bologna, Modena, and Parma offer different starting points for a food and wine tour. The right itinerary depends on what you want to learn about, taste, and experience—not on the number of stops to include in the itinerary.
Discovering a region through its people and local products
01 / THE CITY AT THE TABLE
Bologna, Markets, and Cuisine
A visit to a market or a local shop can spark a conversation about ingredients, customs, and dining traditions. In Bologna, the day can alternate between exploring the streets and savoring local flavors, with time to linger rather than simply following a list of tastings.
You might prefer an introduction to local dishes, a cooking experience, or a leisurely lunch. Dietary needs, travel companions, and the desired atmosphere help determine the best options before arranging visits and meals.
02 / THE STORY OF A PRODUCT
Modena, Parma, and Food Valley
Traditional balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Prosciutto di Parma offer different ways to explore Emilia’s food culture. A visit to a producer can explain the role of the region, ingredients, and time, providing context for the tasting experience.
We’ll assess the attractions that interest you, the locations, and the duration of your visits. Availability and production schedules influence the itinerary. We don’t promise to include every attraction, winery, and city in a single trip: the itinerary is crafted from a selection that’s feasible within the allotted time.
03 / BEYOND TASTE
Motor Valley and the Apennines
For car enthusiasts, the trip can combine culinary experiences with museums and stories of automotive heritage. Access to specific locations, workshops, or activities is verified separately; it is not implied by the reference to Motor Valley.
The Apennines offer a different pace of life, featuring small towns, hikes, and mountain cuisine. An outing can be relaxed or more active, depending on your preferences. Festivals and events can add a local touch when they coincide with your trip.
Building the day around what matters
Allowing time for visits
A production tour, a tasting, and a lunch each have their own pace. We consider how to combine them, taking into account travel time and the enjoyment of the day, rather than simply counting the stops.
Sharing dietary needs
Please let us know right from the start about any allergies, special needs, and preferences. We’ll assess the feasibility of specific experiences: a traditional tasting, for example, isn’t automatically suitable for everyone.
Connecting cities and the countryside
The itinerary and the desired level of assistance determine the transportation arrangements. A trip to Emilia can be combined with a visit to Venice or the Dolomites when the available time allows for a well-balanced itinerary.
Plan a private itinerary in Emilia
Can I customize the trip around specific products?
Yes. Tell us what piques your curiosity: a craft, a dish, wine, or the atmosphere of a market. We’ll use these interests as a starting point to find suitable visits, confirming availability and details in our proposal.
Can I combine Food Valley and Motor Valley?
Yes, when sightseeing and travel go hand in hand. We’re talking about striking a balance between cuisine, museums, and other interests, while taking into account the logistics of each activity.
Does the trip have to focus on gourmet restaurants?
No. A market, a conversation with a local producer, local cuisine, and a cozy tavern can all be equally important. The style of the experiences and meals is tailored to your preferences.
Can I go beyond Bologna and Modena?
We can explore Parma, the Apennines, and connections to other regions of Italy. We start with your schedule and interests to create an itinerary that allows time to fully experience each destination.